

COPYRIGHT DEPOSED 


9 





























) 





1 


s 













I 


HOW TO BUILD ^ 
A TABERNACLE 


FOR UNION GOSPEL MEETINGS 
AND ASSEMBLIES IN GENERAL 


By 

W. E. Biederwolf 
Don Cochran 
Elmer J. Rollings 

Brostom and Drotts, Architects 


The only Book in print containing accurate Blue 
Prints and proper Lumber Estimates for all 
sizes of Tabernacles , doing away with the necessity , 
both of an Advance Man , and of specially prepared 
Blue Prints 


Price* $1.50 


PUBLISHED BY THE 

GLAD TIDINGS PUBLISHING COMPANY 
207 So. Wabash Ave., CHICAGO. ILL. 






HM-^l 0 
,"&S 


Copyright, 1922 
by W. E. BlEDERWOtF 



©UAfi9S498 




MAR -5 ^3 

%M& I 



THIS TABERNACLE WAS BUILT AT GRAND RAPIDS. MICH IN MARCH. 1917, BY DON COCHRAN 

SIZE 164 BY 242 
















1 










♦. • •• 


• •</ 


• • • 




• • 


9 9 



I 


r 


* 











The Tabernacle 

It is of greatest importance for the success of an evangelistic 
movement that the best possible place be obtained in which to 
hold the meetings. There are many reasons why other than 
Church buildings are best adapted to this purpose. Very rarely 
is a Church building commodious enough and it is a fact which it 
is useless to ignore that certain classes will be attracted to other 
places rather than to the Church. 

The Opera House is a complete failure for evangelistic work. 
Poor light, poor heat, poor ventilation, poor acoustics, and abso¬ 
lutely no convenience for after-meeting work make this apparent. 
Tents cannot be us£d in winter with any satisfaction, and a tent 
meeting will suffer much in windy or stormy weather at any 
season of the year. 

The best possible investment for a series of evangelistic meet¬ 
ings is a Tabernacle constructed especially for the purpose. It 
can be made comfortable in the severest winter weather. The 
cost does not exceed in any great measure the rent of a tent or 
opera house. The building itself is the greatest advertisement 
that can be made, while it lends a dignity to the undertaking that 
could not be secured in any other way. 

The construction of the Tabernacle should be put in charge 
of a Building Committee, especially selected for this work. The 
Chairman of the Executive Committee should be also a member 
of this committee; in addition to him let three of your ablest 
business men be appointed. 

There are several plans from which to choose in the con¬ 
struction of a Tabernacle. 

1. The first and best plan is to rent the lumber of the local 
dealers and pay outright for what lumber is damaged. Lumber 
has been rented as low as $3.00 per thousand feet and sometimes 
as high as $12.00 per thousand, including hauling both ways. 
This all depends upon locality and market conditions. 

2. A second plan is to purchase outright, at as low a figure 
as possible, the lumber, rubberoid for roofing, building paper, 
windows, etc., and at the close of the meeting, or as soon as 
the building is erected, advertise the lumber in the building for 
sale, or offer the Tabernacle for sale as it stands. If all the 
lumber and other material be purchased outright at a figure some¬ 
where near the cost, and then is sold to the highest bidder at 
the close of the meeting, the loss is not very great. 


3. The third plan, adopted by some, but which we advise you 
by all means not to adopt, is to bargain with a contractor for a 
definite price for putting up and taking down the Tabernacle 
and furnishing all material. Contractors usually name an exor¬ 
bitant price, and this third plan will cost you more than twice 
the amount called for by the first one. The first plan is by far 
the best. Rent the lumber, hire one competent carpenter to over¬ 
see the construction, and put the building up by day labor, getting 
the same volunteered if possible. Carpenters say there is scarcely 
a piece of lumber used in the construction that they cannot make 
use of afterwards in regular building operations. 

If either the first or second plan is followed, the cost of the 
Tabernacle will be affected very much by the price paid for labor. 
One Virginia town paid $950.00 for labor, and another paid 
$800.00, which are examples of needless expenditure. If one 
carpenter is secured and paid for overseeing the construction, 
in many places enough volunteer labor can be secured without 
any cost whatever. Anyone who can drive a nail or saw a board 
can be used. By all means secure as much volunteer labor as 
possible. Let the preachers take a hand in it and anybody who 
can give a little time. The labor on the Hamilton (Ohio) Taber¬ 
nacle, seating 4,000 people, cost only $78.00, while in Williams¬ 
port, Pa., for a Tabernacle seating 6,000 not a single dollar was 
expended for this purpose. 

LOCATION 

Endeavor to get a location for the building as near the center 
of the city as possible. Oftentimes the City Council or proper 
authorities will grant permission to close a street during the time 
of the meetings and the Tabernacle can thus be put anywhere 
in the heart of the city. If the Tabernacle be built on a corner 
lot, permission is often granted to extend it out over the two 
sidewalks. Such things are often done for street fairs and other 
secular enterprises, and why should not the same thing be done 
for the erection of a Gospel Tabernacle? 

The size of the Tabernacle may be gauged by the following 
information: 

Lumber required: 


76 x 112—seats 1,200. 30,000 feet 

84 x 126—seats 1,650. 40,000 feet 

84 x 154—seats 2,000. 53,ooo feet 

114 x 140—seats 2,500. 62,000 feet 

114 x 182—seats 3,250. 77,000 feet 







126 x 196—seats 4,000.... !. A .88,000 feet 

126 x 224—seats 5,000. .100,000 feet 

152 x 224—seats 6,000.125,000 feet 


These figures make ample allowance for aisles, provided the 
seats are made in the Tabernacle as per instructions. (See Fig¬ 
ures Nos. 39, 40 and 41.) 

BILLS OF MATERIAL 

The following bills of material will show exactly the different 
kinds and sizes of lumber needed. From these can be estimated 
the material needed for buildings smaller or larger. 


ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE AS PER BLUE PRINT 
FIGURE No. 1 





76 x 112 —Capacity 1,200 


Pieces 



Feet 

54 

2 X 

4 x 16 

Center post material. .. 

■ • • • 576 

18 

2 X 

6 x 16 

Center post material. :.’. /t?*. 

... . 288 

18 

2 X 

6x 12 

Center braces. 


9 

2 X 

8 x 24 

Center tie beams. 

. ... 288 

54 

2 X 

6 x 10 

First row shed posts.. 

.... 540 

48 

2 X IO X 14 

Purlin plates.. 


270 

2 X 

6 x 14 

Rafters . 

.... 3,780 

200 

2 X 

4x8 

Braces and studding.. 

.... 1,067 

5° 

2 X 

4 x 12 

Braces and studding. 

.... 400 

50 

2 X 

4 x 16 

Studding.. 

• • • • 533 




Sheathing . 

... .11,000 




Shiplap for sides anjd£flds*r>. 

... . 6,000 




Platform 


20 

2 X 

6 x 14 

Sills . 

.... 280 

28 

2 X 

8 x 10 

Elevated platform sleepers. 

• • • • 373 

28 

2 X 

8 x 12 

Level platform sleepers. 

.... 448 

84 

2 X 

8x36 

xo Terraces .. 

.... 168 




Inch boards for floor. 





Seats 


55 

2 X 

4 X 14 

Seat runners or sills. 

. . . • 5L3 

52 

2 X 

IOX 12 

Seat planks ( dressed one side) . ... 

.... 1,040 

52 

2 X IOX l6 

Seat planks (dressed one side).... 

.... 1,386 

52 

I X 

8 x 12 

Seat backs (dressed one side).... 

.... 416 

52 

I X 

8x16 

Seat backs (dressed one side) . .. . 

.... 554 


7 



























312 ix 4 x 36 Seat frame material. 3 12 

312 ix 4x16 Seat frame material. 138 

286 2 x 4x14 Seat frame material. 222 

286 ix 4 x 20 Seat frame material. 80 

208 ix 4 x 36 Linear braces. 208 


Total feet, 33,228 

Roofing and Hardware Estimate 

2 kegs i6d common nails 2 kegs 6d common nails 

1 keg 8d common nails 30-lb. 3d common nails 

8 pr. 6-in. heavy strap hinges 
10 pr. 3-in. strap hinges, light 
300 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
10 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 
no rolls 1-ply rubberoid roofing 
60 squares thread felt for sides 
2500 4-ft. plaster lath 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE AS PER BLUE PRINT 
FIGURE No. 14 

84 x 126— Capacity 1.650 


Pieces Feet 

20 2 x 6x14 Center post material. 

60 2 x 4x14 Center post material. 560 

20 2 x 6x12 Center braces. 240 

10 2 x 8 x 24 Center tie beams. 320 

60 2 x 6x12 First row shed posts. 720 

36 2x10x14 Purlin plates. 840 

200 2 x 6x16 Rafters . 3,200 

100 2 x 6x14 Center rafters. 1,400 

200 2 x 4X 8 Studding and braces.. .. 1,067 

100 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 800 

50 2 x 4x16 Studding and braces. 533 

Inch sheathing.14,000 

Shiplap for sides and ends. 5,500 

Platform 

30 2 x 8 x 20 Elevated sleepers. 800 

30 2 x 8 x 14 Level sleepers. 560 


8 























28 2 x 6 x 16 Sills . 448 

180 2 x 8 x 38-in. x o Terraces . 360 

Inch sheathing for floor. 2,100 

Seats 

55 2 x 4x16 Seat runners or sills. 587 

58 2 x 10 x 20 Seat planks (dressed one side). 1,933 

58 2x10x12 Seat planks (dressed one side). 1,160 

58 lx 8x20 Seat backs (dressed one side). 773 

58 lx 8x12 Seat backs (dressed one side). 464 

348 ix 4 x 36-in. Seat frame. 348 

348 ix 4xi6-in. Seat frame. 155 

319 2 x 4 x 14-in. Seat frame. 248 

319 ix 4 x 20-in Seat frame. 89 

174 ix 4x36 Seat brace linear. 174 


Total feet, 39,511 

Roofing and Hardwape Estimate 

2 kegs i6d common nails 3 kegs 6d common nails 

1 keg 8d common nails 50-lb. 3d common nails 

12 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
12 pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
400 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
12 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 
140 rolls 1-ply rubberoid roofing 
60 squares thread felt for sides 
3,000 4-ft. plaster lath 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE 

84 x 154— Capacity 2,000 


Pieces Feet 

72 2 x 4x16 Center post material. 768 

24 2 x 6x16 Center post material. 384 

24 2 x 6x12 Center braces. 288 

12 2 x 8x24 Center tie beams. 384 

260 2 x 6x16 Shed rafters. 4,160 

130 2 x 6x14 Center rafters. 1,820 

66 2x10x14 Purlin plates.. 1,540 

44 2 x 6x12 Shed posts. 528 

250 2 x 4 x 8 Studding and braces. 1,333 

150 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 1,200 


9 
























ioo 2 x 4 x io Studding and braces. . 667 

Shiplap No. 2 siding. 6,000 

Inch boards for sheathing.16,000 

Platform 

(7 terraces- 54 ft. long) 

28 2 x 8 x 14 Level sleepers. 523 

56 2 x 8x12 Elevated sleepers. 896 

196 2 x 8 x 36-in. x o Terrace blocks. 392 

40 2 x 6 x 14 Sills . 560 

Inch boards flooring. 2,100 

Seats —38 Rows 

75 2 x 4x16 Seat runners or sills. 800 

102 2 x 10x12 Seat planks (dressed one side). 2,040 

76 2x10x20 Seat planks (dressed one side). 2,533 

102 ix 8x 12 Seat backs (dressed one side). 816 

76 1 x 8 x 20 Seat backs (dressed one side). 1,013 

506 2 x 4x14 Seat frame.... 393 

506 ix 4x20 Seat frame. 281 

552 ix 4x16 Seat frame. 245 

552 ix 4x36 Seat frame... 552 


52,923 

Hardware and Roofing 

2 kegs i6d common nails 2 kegs 6d common nails 

1 keg 8d common nails 30-lb. 3d common nails 

8 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
10 pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
300 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
10 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 
160 rolls roofing, x-ply 
65 squares thread felt for sides 
2,800 4-ft. plaster lath 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE 


114 x 140 —Capacity 2,500 

Pieces Feet 

66 2 x 4 x 16 Center post material. .. 704 

22 2x6x16 Center post material. 352 

22 2x6x12 Center braces. 264 


10 























II 

2 X 

8 x 24 

Center tie beams. 

• 352 

44 

2 X 

6 x 14 

First row shed posts. 

616 

44 

2 X 

6 x 12 

Second row shed posts. 

528 

60 

2 X 10 X 14 

Purlin plates. 

. 1,400 

390 

2 X 

6 x 16 

Shed rafters. 

. 6,240 

130 

2 X 

6x 14 

Center rafters. 

. 1,820 

300 

2 X 

4x8 

Braces and studding. 

. 1,600 

200 

2 X 

4 x 12 

Braces and studding. 

. 1,600 

150 

2 X 

4 x 16 

Braces and studding. 

. 1,600 




Inch boards for sheathing. 

. 20,000 




No. 2 Shiplap siding. 

• 6,500 




Platform 

. i .hi 




(7 terraces, 84 ft. long) 

. 

43 

2 X 

8 x 14 

Level sleepers. 

• 1,003 

86 

2 X 

8 x 12 

Elevated sleepers. 

• 1.376 

60 

2 X 

6 x 16 

Sills . 

960 

301 

2 X 

8x36- 

■in. x 0 Terrace blocks. 

602 




Inch boards for platform floor. 

• 3,500 




Seats 


102 

2 X 

4 x 16 

Seat sills or runners. 

. 1,088 

106 

2 X 

iox 12 

Seat planks (dressed one side). 

. 2,120 

68 

2 X IO X l6 

Seat planks (dressed one side). 

. 1,814 

68 

2 X 

10 x 14 

Seat planks (dressed one side). 

• 1.587 

10 

2 X IOX IO 

Seat planks (dressed one side). 

167 

106 

I X 

8 x 12 

Seat backs (dressed one side). 

. 848 

68 

I X 

8 x 16 

Seat backs (dressed one side). 

726 

68 

I X 

8 x 14 

Seat backs (dressed one side). 

• 635 

10 

I X 

8 x 10 

Seat backs (dressed one side). 

. 67 

698 

2 X 

4 x 14 - 

in. Seat blocks. 

• 543 

698 

I X 

4 x 20-in. Seat blocks. 

. 388 

756 

I X 

4 x 16- 

in. Seat blocks. 

• 336 

756 

I X 

4x36- 

in. Seat blocks. 

■ 756 




Total feet, 

62,082 


Hardware and Roofing 

3 kegs i6d common nails 3 kegs 6d common nails 

2 kegs 8d common nails 40-lb. 3d common nails 

16 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
20 pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
400 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 


u 
































15 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 
200 rolls rubberoid, i-ply 
70 squares thread felt for walls 
4,000 4-ft. plaster lath 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE AS PER FIGURE No. 25 

114 x 182 —Capacity 3,250 

Pieces Feet 

78 2 x 4x18 Center post material. 936 

26 2x 6x18 Center post material. 468 

28 2 x 6x12 Center braces. 336 

14 2 x 8x24 Center tie beams. 448 

84 2 x 6x16 First row shed posts. 1,260 

84 2 x 6x14 Second row shed posts. 1,092 

78 2x10x14 Purlin plates. 1,820 

450 2 x 6x16 Rafters . 7,200 

150 2 x 6x14 Center rafters. 2,100 

450 2x4x8 Studding and braces. 2,400 

100 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 800 

100 2 x 4x16 Studding and braces. 1,067 

Inch boards for sheathing.27,000 

Shiplap for sides. 9,000 

Platform 

66 2 x 6x16 Sills . 1,056 

90 2 x 8 x 16 Elevated sleepers. 1,920 

45 2 x 8x14 Level sleepers. 840 

450 2 x 8x35-inxo Terrace blocks. 900 

Inch boards. 4,000 

Seats 

136 2x10x16 Seat runners or sills. L 45 T 

92 2x10x14 Seat planks (dressed one side). 2,147 

88 2 x 10 x 16 Seat planks (dressed one side"). 2,347 

72 2 x 10 x 12 Seat planks (dressed one side). 1,440 

92 1 x 8 x 14 Seat backs (dressed one side). 859 

88 ix 8x16 Seat backs (dressed one side). 939 

72 ix 8x12 Seat backs (dressed one side). 576 

792 ix 4x36-111. Seat frames. 792 


12 





























79 2 ix 4 x 16-in. Seat frames. 352 

748 ix 4 x 20-in. Seat frames. 208 

748 2 x 4 x 14-in. Seat frames. 582 

440 ix 4 x 36-in. Linear braces. 440 

10 2 x 10 x 10 Seat planks. 167 

10 1 x 8 x 10 Seat backs.. 67 


Total feet, 76,805 

Roofing and Hardware Estimate 

3 kegs i6d common nails 4 kegs 6d common nails 

2 kegs 8d common nails 50-lb. 3d common nails 

260 rolls 1-ply rubberoid 
4,000 4-ft. plaster lath 
14 12-light 8 x 10 windows 
500 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
14 pr. 3-in. light strap hinges 
22 pr. 6-i'n. heavy strap hinges 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE 


126 x 196— Capacity 4,000 

Pieces Feet 

90 2 x 4x20 Center post material;. 1,200 

30 2x 6x20 Center post material. 600 

15 2 x 8x24 Center tie beams. .480 

30 2 x 6x12 Center braces. .... 360 

90 2 x 6x18 First row shed posts. 1,530 

90 2 x 6x16 Second row shed posts. 1,350 

112 2x10x14 Purlin plates. 2,613 

450 2 x 6x18 Shed rafters....../. . 8,100 

150 2 x 6x14 Center rafters.. . .. 2,100 

400 2 x 4X 8 Studding and braces. 2,133 

100 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 800 

150 2 x 4x16 Studding and braces. 1,600 

Inch boards for sheathing.30,000 

Shiplap for siding. . .. 9,000 

Platform 

60 2 x 6x16 Sills .. 960 

49 2x 8x16 Sleepers for level platform. 1,045 


13 

























98 2x 8x18 Sleepers for elevated platform. 2,352 

600 1x6 Boards . 600 

550 2 x 8 x 36-in. xo Terrace blocks. 1,100 

Inch boards for floor.. 5,000 

Seats 

136 2 x 4x16 Seat runners or sills. 1,45! 

188 2 x 10 x 18 Seat planks (dressed one side). 5,640 

84 2 x 10x 12 Seat planks (dressed one side). 1,680 

10 2 x 10 x 10 Seat planks (dressed one side). 167 

188 ix 8x18 Seat backs (dressed one side). 2,256 

84 ix 8x12 Seat backs (dressed one side). 672 

10 1 x 8 x 10 Seat backs (dressed one side). 67 

850 ix 4 x 36-in. Seat frames. 850 

850 ix 4xi6-in. Seat frames. 378 

800 ix 4 x 20-in. Seat frames. 222 

800 2 x 4 x 14-in. Seat frames. 622 

470 ix 4 x 36-in. Seat frames. 470 


Total feet, 87,620 

Roofing and Hardware Estimate 

300 rolls 1-ply rubberoid 
5,500 4-ft. plaster lath 
90 squares thread felt for sides 
28 12-light, 8 x 10 windows ^ 

3 kegs i6d common nails 
2 kegs 8d common nails 
5 kegs 6d common nails 
24 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
28 ^pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
2,000 ft. heavy cord 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE 

126 x 224— Capacity 5,000 


Pieces Feet 

102 2 x 4x20 Center posts. 1,360 

34 2 x 6 x 20 Center posts. 680 

17 2 x 8x24 Center tie beams. 544 

34 2 x 6x12 Center braces. 408 

102 2 x 6x18 First row shed posts. 1,836 

103 2 x 6x16 Second row shed posts. 1,632 


14 

























138 2 x io x 14 Purlin plates...... . . f ^i. .. 3,680 

510 2 x 6x 18 Shed rafters....... hf. . . 9,180 

170 2 x 6x14 Center rafters... 2,380 

430 2 x 4X 8 Studding and braces....-. 2,293 

225 2 x 4X 10 Studding and braces. .. 1,500 

150 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 1,200 

275 2 x 4X 16 Studding and seat runners or sills. . . . 2,933 

Inch boards for sheathing.35,000 

No. 2 Shiplap. .11,000 

Seats 

232 2 x 10 x 18 Seat planks (dressed one side) 6^960 

106 2 x 10 x 12 Seat planks (dressed one side)...... 2,120 

10 2 x iox 10 Seat planks (dressed one side)... 167 

232 ix 8 x 18 Seat backs (dressed one side)....... 2,784 

106 ix 8 x 12 Seat backs (dressed one side) ,.... 848 

10 i x 8x10 Seat backs (dressed one side) . .. 67 

986 2 x 4 x 14-in. Seat frames......... >. 767 

986 1 x 4 x 20-in. Seat frames.. t . 274 

1044 Ix 4xi6-in. Seat frames.. 475 

1044 ix 4 x 36-in. Seat frames..... .. 1^044 

792 ix 4 x 36-in. Linear braces..,... 792 

Platform i • ' 

(49 x 96—11 terraces) 

60 2 x 6 x 16 Sills.... 960 

49 2x 8x16 Sleepers for level platform. 1,045 

98 2 x 8x18 Sleepers for elevated platform. 2^352 

550 2 x 8 x 36-in. xo Terrace bkfcks^y,; ......... t ., 1,100 

Inch boards 8-in. and lOfin. - wide. .... 5,000 

Inch boards 6-in. wide... v .» 600 


Total feet, 104,459 

Roofing and Hardware Estimate 

no squares thread felt for sides 
350 rolls i-ply rubberoid 
7,000 4-ft. plaster lath 
75 lbs. 3d common nails 
4 kegs i6d common nail? 


15 





























3 kegs 8d common mails 
6 kegs 6d common nails 
24 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
50 pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
2,000 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
32 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 

ESTIMATE FOR TABERNACLE 

152 x 224 —Capacity 6,000 

102 2 x 4x20 Center posts. 1,360 

34 2 x 6 x 20 Center posts. 680 

34 2 x 6x12 Center braces. 408 

17 2x 8x24 Center tie beams. 544 

102 2 x 6x18 First row shed posts. 1,836 

102 2 x 6x18 Second row shed posts. 1,632 

102 2 x 6x14 Third row shed posts. 1,428 

160 2x10x14 Purlin plates. 3,733 

510 2 x 6x18 Shed rafters. 9,180 

170 2 x 6x14 Center rafters. 2,380 

170 2 x 6x14 Shed rafters. 2,380 

430 2x4x8 Studding and braces. 2,293 

225 2 x 4 x10 Studding and braces. 1,500 

150 2 x 4x12 Studding and braces. 1,200 

350 2 x 4X 16 Studding and seat runners or sills. . . . 3,733 

Inch boards for sheathing.47,000 

No. 2 shiplap siding.12,000 

Seats 

232 2x10x18 Seat planks (dressed). 6,960 

222 2 x 10x12 Seat planks (dressed). 4,440 

10 2 x 10 x 10 Seat planks (dressed). 167 

232 ix 8x18 Seat backs (dressed). 2,784 

222 ix 8x12 Seat backs (dressed). 1,776 

10 ix 8x10 Seat backs (dressed). 67 

1336 2 x 4 x 14-in. Seat frames. 1,073 

1336 ix 4 x 20-in. Seat frames. 767 

1380 ix 4 x 36-in. Seat frames. 1,380 

1380 ix 4x16 Seat frames... 613 

Platform 

60 2 x 6x16 Sills . 960 

49 2x 8x16 Sleepers for level platform. 1,045 

16 

« 






























2x8x18 Sleepers for elevated platform. 2,352 

550 2 x 8 x 36-in. x o Terrace blocks. 1,100 

Inch boards 8 and 10-in. wide. 5,000 

Inch boards 6 inches wide. 600 


Total feet, 124,371 

Roofing Hardware Estimate 

120 squares thread felt for sides 
400 rolls I-ply rubberoid for roof 
8000 4-ft. plaster lath 
75 lbs. 3d common nails 
5 kegs i6d common nails 
4 kegs 8d common nails 
7 kegs 6d common nails 
28 pr. 6-in. strap hinges—heavy 
50 pr. 3-in. strap hinges—light 
2000 ft. heavy cord to operate windows 
32 windows, 12-light, 8 x 10 

Height of Building 

The side-walls of a summer Tabernacle should be 10 feet 
high, while for winter Tabernacle the side-walls should be 8 
feet high. The comb of the roof should be 6 feet higher than 
the top of the center tie-beam. 

Upright Supports 

The upright supports for the two center rows for all Taber¬ 
nacles should be 6 x 6 and made as in Figure 20A. In dormer 
window type of Tabernacles these supports should be 14 feet 
high for a seating capacity of 1,650; 16 feet high for a seating 
capacity of 2,000 or 2,500; 18 feet high for a seating capacity 
of 3,250; and 20 feet high for a seating capacity of 4,000 to 
6,000. The center posts for a clear-story type of Tabernacle 
must in each case be higher than those for the dormer window 
type. See Figure 4 where a seating capacity of only 1,200 re¬ 
quires 16 feet posts. 

For the other upright supports in summer Tabernacles use 
two 2x6 pieces; and for winter Tabernacles where heavy snows 
may be expected use three 2x6 pieces put together as in Figures 
8y 13 and 21. 


17 







The upright supports should be placed not more than 14 feet 
apart, and the plates, or purlins, connecting them, upon which -the 
rafters are to rest, should be 2 x 10s, and these should be spiked 
securely in the place left in the top of the upright supports. The 
roof over the center section should be put on after the other part 
of the roof is finished. 

Under no circumstances allow a row of supports or an aisle 
to be placed down through the middle of the building. 

There should be as many other rows of upright supports 
as may be needed to support the roof. One row on either side 
of the center section is sufficient for the ordinary sized Taber¬ 
nacle. These of course should be of such height as to give 
proper slant to the roof. A number of these can be raised at 
one time after the 2 x 10 rafter supports are nailed on. 

For the side-walls 2x4 upright supports are strong enough, 
and should be spaced to fit rafters (see rafter instructions). For 
the rafter support purlins on the uprights for the sides of the 
Tabernacle 2 x 4s should be used as in Figure 10. 

Bracing 

Any carpenter can properly brace a building, but keep the 
braces as high as possible, so as not to obstruct the view from 
the platform. (See Figures 12 and 19 for splendid examples of 
bracing.) 

Rafters 

For rafters use 2x6 material of the proper length; place 
them approximately three feet apart, nailing one against each 
of the upright supports. Those coming between the upright 
supports will have to be “toe-nailed”! It is more practical, 
although taking a little more lumber, to place the rafters two 
feet apart, inasmuch as sheathing comes in even lengths. When 
rafters are placed three feet apart the sheathing can be put on 
in sections by placing extra rafters to accommodate sheathing 
when it does not match on regular rafters. 

For the roof, sides and ends of the building, use common 
inch lumber; run the sheathing lengthwise of the building, and 
the sides and ends horizontally, and not up and down. The 
opening at the eaves may be closed up by placing short pieces 
of 1 x 8 between the rafter ends (Figure 22), or by boxing the 
rafter ends with two pieces of 1 x 6, one running along the end 


18 


of the rafters and the other running underneath (Fig. 9), or 
by making the rafters flush with the side of the Tabernacle and 
running the siding tight up against the sheathing (Fig. 10). 
This last arrangement is by far the best of the three, and if used 
the eave extension and bracket may be omitted, in which case 
the lower sheathing board should be allowed to project as far 
as possible over the side in orcier to drop the water away from 
the building. 

Doors 

Under no circumstances should a public entrance to the build¬ 
ing be placed in the same end of the building as the platform. 
A small door for the entrance of the chorus and the workers 
and for other purposes may be placed here. For the main 
entrances put doors at the end of each aisle, opposite the platform. 
It is well to mal$e double doors at the end of each of the two 
main aisles, 6 feet by 7 feet, opening out and with a removable 
center post. Put one large single door for exit only on each 
side of the Tabernacle, not more than half way towards the 
platform. In large Tabernacles two such doors on either side 
would be proper. All doors should swing outward. Some State 
Laws require an exit at the end of each aisle. 

Windows 

There should be a number of windows on each side made in 
the center section of the roof. Make them dormer style as shown 
in Figures 19 and 24. Do not place any of these windows so 
as to cause a draft over the speakers’ platform. These windows 
should be hinged at the bottom, swinging inward, and should 
be operated by ropes. In summer there should be several windows 
in each side of the building. These windows should be put in 
horizontally, high enough to prevent a view from the outside, 
and should, of course, be movable. In winter have dormer win¬ 
dows only. See Figure 24. 

Floor 

No floor is to be put in the Tabernacle. The ground should 
be covered with a heavy layer of shavings, sawdust or straw. 
The shavings are by far the most desirable. This is much supe¬ 
rior to a building with a floor, for no matter how great the 
crowds, it is noiseless, and in cold weather warmer for the feet. 
About 10,000 pounds of shavings are sufficient for a 2,000 Taber¬ 
nacle. 


19 


Covering for Roof and Sides 


The roof is one of the most important parts of the building, 
and extreme care should be taken in its construction. It should 
be covered with i-ply rubberoid. Place this roofing lengthwise 
of the building, a'nd lay it well, like shingles, and it will shed 
water. Never under any circumstances run the paper from the 
eaves to the comb. Use lath and 3d nails to hold this roofing 
down; they are easier removed than the nails alone, and avoid 
tearing the paper. Run the lath on the roof from the eaves 
to the comb, i. e., opposite in direction to the paper. Place the 
rows of lath about 18 inches apart. 

In winter, the building should be covered on the outside with 
a cheap quality of tarred paper, and in extremely cold weather 
lined on the inside with building paper. 


Seating 

The best plan ever devised for building seats in a tabernacle 
is illustrated by Figure 41. Determine the length of seats neces¬ 
sary for the width of tabernacle to be seated. Then lay the 
2x4 runner flat wise on the ground; using three to each section 
of seats. Place one in the center and the two at either end one 
foot from the end of the seat plank. When the seats are thus 
properly made they require no linear bracing aside from the seat 
plank and the back. The frames for the seat ends should be 
made at a work bench over a pattern so they will be uniform. 

Have the solid section of seats immediately in front of the 
pulpit, leaving a space of 10 feet between the front seat a'nd 
the platform. Make an aisle 4 feet wide running back from 
the front in the center to a depth of six or seven seats. See Figure 
25. At the rear of the middle section, leave a space of eight 
feet between the last seat and the wall and at the rear of the 
side sections leave a space of six feet. The seats in the side 
sections may be placed slightly diagonal so as to command a 
better view of the pulpit. 

Nail the 2 x 10 seat planks down at each frame, using two 
i6d nails in each instance, one down into the 2x4 upright and 
the other into the 1 x 4 at rear. 

It is not wise to make any of the sections of seats more than 
24 feet in width. 


20 


Aisles 

The two main aisles should be five feet wide each, and the 
others should be four feet wide, save the ones next to the wall, 
where three feet is sufficient. Some State Laws require a cross¬ 
aisle running through the center section to the sides about midway 
in the building. 

Notice the blind aisle in the front of the center section of 
seats in Figure 25; this should really be placed in all tabernacles 
as it presents an easy method of caring for those who come front 
at the evangelist’s invitation. 

Heating 

The average Tabernacle can be made comfortable in the cold¬ 
est weather by 8 large stoves burning , coal or gas. The stove 
pipes must be equipped with dampers. If coal is used, be sure 
to run the pipes high enough above the roof to get sufficient 
draft. If the Tabernacle seats from 3,000 to 5,000, eight or ten 
stoves will be required in cold weather. Old furnaces can be 
used even to better advantage. If gas stoves are used, they must 
also be equipped with flues. 

Lighting 

Ask some lighting company to donate or to furnish at as low 
a figure as possible the wiring and lighting of the building. 

The Tabernacle ca'nnot be too light. If the Tabernacle is 
to be lighted by electricity, and it ought to be, use plenty of 
nitrogen lamps. DO NOT AJRCS. Have the lights for 

the audience on as many circuits as may be necessary. This must 
be determined by the number of lights used. There should be 
at least two rows of lights for the chorus, extending the entire 
length of the platform. These should be on a separate circuit. 
Have a cluster of lights over the pulpit, but high enough not to 
blind those in the audience who will want to see the face of the 
speaker. This cluster must be on a separate circuit in case it is 
desired to turn off the chorus lights during the preaching. But 
what is better is to have frosted bulbs for the chorus lights and 
leave them on during the whole service, in which case the circuit 
for the cluster may be the same as that for the chorus lights. 
There should be a "light outside for each entrance. The switch 
for the lights should be at the platform end, near the chorus 
entrance. The best place for it is in the custodian’s room. 

21 


Decoration 


This is usually put in charge of a separate committee, who 
secure flags, bunting, etc., which they can make use of in almost 
unlimited quantities. Much of this material is usually loaned or 
donated. A strong pulpit is to be provided, and a rug for the 
pulpit platform. 

The Chorus and Pulpit Platform 
(See Figures 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38) 

Erect the chorus and pulpit platform across the end of the 
Tabernacle. The platform for a Tabernacle seating 3,000 should 
be about 64 feet wide, and about 30 feet deep, on the basis of 
seven terraces for the singers; but on the basis of nine terraces 
for the singers the platform should be 56 feet wide and about 
36 feet deep. For each additional 1,000 people the Tabernacle 
will seat, the platform should be 20 feet wider, on the basis of 
seven terraces for the singers, and 14 feet wider on the basis 
of nine terraces for the singers. It takes 2 linear feet of terrace 
for each person, and this estimate allows for the necessary aisle. 

The dimensions used must be governed by the width of the 
Tabernacle and the height of the roof. The low roof may be 
avoided somewhat by the building of a middle section of the 
platform, and then the two wings on the diagonal, giving some¬ 
what of a circular effect to the platform. This is the best for 
many reasons. See Figure 25. 

On the basis of 64 feet by 30 feet, the center section may be 
40 feet wide, and the ,wings 12 feet wide each, or the center 
section 32 feet wide and the wings 16 feet wide each. 

On the basis of 56 feet by 36 feet, the center section may be 
32 feet wide, and the wings each 12 feet wide. 

In the construction of the platform begin by slanting 2x8 
planks from the proper height at the proper angle at the rear 
wall toward the ground. These should be placed 2 feet apart. 
On these should be built the terraces, 8 inches or even better, 
10 inches high, and the platform out of boards one inch thick. 
The lower level of the platform should be 2 feet high. In the 
center of the lower level erect another platform for the pulpit, 
making it 10 feet long, and 6 or 8 feet wide, and in height to 
suit the size of the Tabernacle. For a Tabernacle seating 3,000, 
the pulpit platform should be three feet above the lower level, 

22 


making it five feet in all, but for each additional thousand of 
seating capacity, make the pulpit platform one foot higher, not, 
however, to exceed seven feet under any circumstances. Steps 
should be provided at each end of the large platform. 

There should be a running board projecting out in front of 
the pulpit platform, about two feet from the ground, upon which 
the speaker can stand in shaking hands with those who come 
to the front. This should be made of two planks 2x8 and 
about 8 feet long, and some means of approach should be made 
to it from the speakers’ platform. See Figure 35A. 

Custodian’s Room 

In one comer of the Tabernacle just at the end of the chorus 
platform, partition off a room of considerable dimensions, for 
the custodian. Lay a few 2 x 4s on the ground, and put a floor 
made out of ordinary boards on them. Provide rug, bedding, 
dresser, small stove, etc., for the room. 

EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS COMMENCING ON 
PAGE TWENTY-FOUR 

Fig. 1. Showing ground-floor plan of Tabernacle seating 1,200 
people; dimensions 76 x 112. The center seats are 24 feet 
long, for which 2 x 10s 12 feet long are placed end to end. 
For detailed drawing of Choir Platform (54 feet wide) see 
Fig- 33- 

Fig. 2. Showing end-elevation of Clearstory type building. Note 
double doors with removable center posts. 

Fig. 3. Showing portion of side elevation of Clearstory type of 
building. The number of windows and ventilators will vary 
according to weather. 

Fig. 4. Showing cross-section of Clearstory type of building. 

Fig. 5. Showing the Center bent. The distance from the Purlin 
or plate supporting the rafters for the lower roof to the top 
of the Clearstory will vary to suit the window sash obtainable. 

Fig. 6 . Showing a section through one of the side-bents. Con¬ 
struction of center-bent post shown in Fig. 23, of side-bent 
post in Fig. 13. Side-wall construction shown in Figs. 9, 
10 and 22. 


28 


Fig. 7. Showing Center-bent post of Clearstory building with 
Purlin, Tie-beam, and Rafters fitting into place. 

Fig. 8. Showing Side-bent post with Purlin and Rafter in place. 

Fig. 9. Showing one plan of Side-wall construction. 

Fig. 10. Showing the most practical plan of closing up the eaves. 

Fig. 11. Showing end-wall construction looking across the build¬ 
ing with 2x4 studding fitting outside 2x6 rafter. 

Fig. 12. Showing section of frame-work looking across the 
building toward the eaves. The Purlin rests in constructed 
side-bent post. See Fig. 13, d. 

Fig. 13. Showing construction of Side-bent posts built from 
three 2 x 6s spiked together as shown in drawings c and d. 
In smaller buildings two 2 x 6s are sufficient for side-bent 
posts as shown in drawings a and b. 

Fig. 14. Showing ground-floor plan of Tabernacle seating 1,650 
people; dimensions 84 x 126. The center seats are 24 feet 
long, for which 2 x 10s 12 feet long are placed end to end. 
For detailed drawing of Choir Platform (54 feet wide) see 
Fig- 33- 

Fig. 15. Showing end-elevation of dormer-window type of build¬ 
ing, with position of windows and doors. No windows are 
needed here. 

Fig. 16. Showing portion of side-elevation of dormer type build¬ 
ing. The number of windows needed will vary according to 
weather. , 

Fig. 17. Showing cross-section of dormer-window type building. 

Fig. 18. Showing section through side-bent. The construction 
of center-bent posts is shown in Fig. 23, of side-bent posts 
in Fig. 13. The side-wall construction is shown in Figs. 9. 
10 and 22. 

Fig. 19. Showing center-bent with dormer window construction. 
The center-bent is 24 feet wide, for which one 2 x 8 x 24 is 
used as a tie-beam. Notice dimensions of rafters, braces and 
center-posts. 

Fig. 20. Showing center-bent post with rafters, tie-beam, purlin, 
dormer and rafter-brace fitting into place. Height of dormer 
made to suit window-sash obtainable. 


24 


Fig. 20a. Showing purpose of constructed center-post with pur¬ 
lin and tie-beam fitting into place. The constructed center- 
post is by all means the best post. Not only is it cheaper, 
but it is stronger, and it gives a resting place for the tie-beam 
and the purlin, thereby taking the strain off the spikes. Its 
salvage value is also greater because a 2 x 6 or a 2 x 4 is 
more salable than a6x6ora6x8. 

Fig. 21. Showing the side-bent post with purlin and rafter fitting 
into place. The purlin for the side-bent posts should rest 
preferably in the center of the post or on the side of the post 
toward the center of the building, as this will be found more 
convenient in construction and counteracts the pressure from 
the rafters. 

Fig. 21 a. Showing purlin in place in side-bent post, the space 
between the ends of the purlin is left to counterbalance the 
same space made necessary by tie-beam in center-bent posts. 

'Fig. 22. Showing side-wall construction. The eaves should be 
closed up with 8-inch boxing, cut in appropriate lengths. If 
the rafters are shortened and made flush with the 2x4 
uprights, as in Fig. 10, the boxing boards can be run clear 
up to the sheathing and thus close the eave opening without 
cutting the boxing board. In this case the last or lowest 
sheathing board should be especially wide and allowed to 
project in order to drop the rain as far as possible from the 
side of the building, or an extension with bracket may be 
used as in Figure 10. 

Fig. 23. Showing the construction of the top of center-bent post. 
Three 2 x 4s are nailed together as shown in Fig. 23c, drop¬ 
ping the center one 8 inches to allow rest for center-bent tie- 
beam. A 2 x 6 is then spiked on as in Fig. 23a 14 inches 
from the top to allow rest for purlin and clearance for rafters. 
See also Figs. 20 and 20a. 

Fig. 24. Showing details of window construction, applying to 
both Dormer and Clearstory type of building. Use any size 
window obtainable, but the most practical sash is a six-light 
8 x 10. The hinged window is by all means the most satis¬ 
factory and is as a rule more easily obtained. If this style of 
window is used, always put the hinges at the bottom of the 
sash and never at the top; otherwise on a rainy day they 
will have to be kept closed, cutting off all ventilation. 


25 


Fig. 25. Showing ground-floor plan of Tabernacle seating 3,250 
people; dimensions 114 x 182. The center seats are 24 feet 
long, for which 2 x 10s 12 feet long are placed end to end. 
For detailed drawing of Choir Platform (84 feet wide) see 
Fig. 34 - 

Fig. 26. Showing end elevation Dormer type of building with 
position of windows and doors. Windows in the entrance 
end of the building are really unnecessary. 

Fig. 27. Showing portion of side-elevation of Dormer type build¬ 
ing. Oftentimes along the sides there are no windows at all, 
when plenty of light and ventilation comes through the dormer 
windows. 

Fig. 28. Showing transverse section of Dormer type building. 

Fig. 29. Showing cross-section of Tabernacle seating 3,500 or 
more, with both Dormer and Clearstory type of windows. 
This type of construction is found more desirable for larger 
Tabernacles because of better ventilating facilities and added 
space in height for Choir Platform. 

Fig. 30. Showing outside view of Clearstory type of window. 

Fig. 31. Showing outside view of Dormer style of window. 

Fig. 32. Showing a three-terraced platform for small taber¬ 
nacles. This platform will seat about no singers. 

Fig. 33. Showing a six-terraced platform for use in tabernacles 
of from 1,250 to 2,500 seating capacity. This platform will 
seat about 225 singers. 

Fig. 34. Showing a ten-terraced platform for use in Tabernacles 
of from 3,000 to 4,000 seating capacity. This platform will 
seat about 600 singers. 

Note: —The above platforms may all be made smaller or 
larger as desired, by cutting off or adding terraces, which 
may be done by any carpenter or practical builder. If the 
system of bracing as shown in the drawings is followed the 
platform will be absolutely safe. More bracing than is shown 
here would be only a waste of lumber and less would not 
be entirely safe. 

On each of the above platforms space is left between the 
pulpit platform and the first row of choir seats for a Grand 
Piano, as this is usually where the Musical Director will 
want it. 


24 


Fig. 35 (a and b). Showing very clearly the dimensions of all 
lumber required in the construction of the platform, stringers, 
posts, braces, terrace risers and flooring. 

Fig. 36.' Showing half section of circular style of choir platform. 
This plan of platform is somewhat more difficult to construct 
and is somewhat more expensive, but choristers usually prefer 
it. The two stairways on the sides for exit may be omitted, 
inasmuch as the two rear stairways and the middle entrance 
way furnish ample provision for exit under any and all cir¬ 
cumstances. The dimensions of the platform as shown in the 
drawing are for a Tabernacle seating 5000 or more, and 
must be reduced or enlarged as the seating capacity may 
require. 

Fig. 37. Showing cross section of platform as drawn in Fig. 39. 

Fig. 38. Showing the framework and construction of speaker’s 
platform. The level platform is as a rule of the same height 
in all Tabernacles, while the speaker’s platform is elevated 
according to the size of the Tabernacle or the speaker’s wishes 
in the matter. 

Figs. 39, 40 and 41. Showing construction of seats. Fig. 41 is 
by far the best type of seat. The type shown in Fig. 39 
cannot be used without special permission of Fire Inspector. 
It is not necessary to use linear bracing, as shown in Fig. 41, 
when the ground is reasonably level. 





27 







BRjOyTRjOM & DR-OTTV * AE.CHITE-CT-^ TAKK.NACLt 12/30 

_ R.LLIANCL . fll’PG KAN/A/ OlfT , MO-_ 


28 










































































Hoof 


Cu*13 totv j ffl gT 


m 


EB EB 


ET 


"Roof 


5,pe W*ll 


Door. 


fOKTlON Of ^/1D£~ £ L tVATION 

FI GO 



t HD tLtVHTlOH 
FIG. Z 


VX.OS’XTlOIti ^ D^OTT^* - AfLCMlTtCy \ZQD 

HfcLIAHCL VlVCf KklSAS ClT^f WO. i HX>1 K. n AV^LL 


29 






















































30 





































31 










































































32 
















































A 4-0 


AS'Q 


I5t BfcHT 


Lldrotor 


»y-o 


2Nl)tUt 


-te¬ 


rn 


24>0 


Cmttt Btiit 


0 ^1* Ttl&KCf 3 


xx a 

PLATfoo*. I4-X54 


l?-Q" 


2 Nd "Birr 


-tf- 


a 



S 4-0 


lg : 0* 


i3T t>lNT 


Trauei* 


?LAH 

w/t ATIKC+ CATkaT't 1650 f IG. 14 
EiLfcetwe L>q*Y 


sncx/mom & stoTTc/ - xtCHirtcv UMALHkCLt 1650 

EeaiMC* PL’P’Q. *.*>!./*/ CIT*V Mg _ 


33 


n Liio 














































































































































































































































fig. 17 




FIG. 15 


5-. DSjDTTc/ ~ AXjCRl'TLC'V TATSTFXaPT T 

^.tXiAAcn PvAHJAJ ClT'-r r\cx 1/UPM^Ln.V^L.L, iD JU 


34 



























































































FIG. *9. 








I*. 

- x\ 





^—~""""^ \\ 






r-- // ZA '*•" At-O" BR^CE3,^-A\ 






//* AT ut« POJT N 




-^ss^TTj^—' Vv 






^_-'— \\ 








Z2=® ~// Z"K4 X-5-O S>1ACL3 —' ,r ^ S ''sN. 

• s / /^ _ ' AT t*CH T>OJ7 



e 

•» 





-T 


J- .? 

£ 







2 * 

*- 

< 

c 

-1 



T1X5T T>Z/Mt ■ '! 


£ ^ 3tCC^D Bl<iT 

Hi 

A 

'A 

ti 

< 

* 


9 

ID 

; f 


A .< 

Ai V 

A ft 

J 

b 

t 

i 

r 

A 






*» 

o 

< 

ft 

ri 







n 



-d 



. 




FIG. Id. 


t, TAM.KUCU, 1650. 

35 























































36 






























































37 





































































38 



































































































































39 


































































40 





















































































































41 




































































































































FULP. 

\ PLATFORM 



F/& 3&> HALF PLAN OF CHO/R. 

36-0' 


Lc-rr mrtc/ orWy 



CROSS SECTION A-A CF PLATFORM W/TH /2 TERRACES. 

'T>« Far os* in TbLamerc/tss oFFCM Fa Coco Otpcrc/Fy. 


r 


>£ 3 Ft^S : 

r 


f\ 

H 

rzx~:i~x 

o:. J 


PrlpiL P/mF Form Fa 
£e LoxaH /n Ufi M 
/" /no rmr-i'a/ 
t£V£L f , £-*)T/ r O/ 2*7 


J 


FIG- 3Q frame fork ^ co / vjt « 

OF 3PEAFER3 RLATFO/art. 


c ■ tabernacle cno/e. 





















































































































































43 















































































































0 



















